Tuncurry's 7-day makeover might be over, but that hasn't stopped local business-owners and community members from finding ways to brighten up the township.
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The latest addition to the regeneration of Manning Street will see a mural painted onto the Tuncurry Post Office shopfront in a collaboration between the licensees of the business, former design students from Great Lakes TAFE, and community volunteers.
More than 12 months in the making, the idea for the project began late last year when Tuncurry Post Office licensee, Warwick Thompson, attended a meeting with Creative Communities director, David Engwicht, about the possibility of Tuncurry completing a 7-day makeover.
Inspired by the suggestions Engwicht put forth and excited by the idea of adding some colour to the township, Thompson made some enquiries and was put in touch with design teacher at the TAFE, Rachel Power, to discuss the possibility of having some of her students paint a mural on the post office.
Seeing it as an opportunity to expose her Certificate 4 Design class to some real-world experience, Power asked each student to conceptualise and submit three designs in response to the design brief Thompson had given them.
Thompson then selected a design by Zachary Dinnan - one he described as fitting the brief really well - and from there the class worked collaboratively with Thompson to refine the design to a point he was happy with.
With the students completing their TAFE studies midway through the project, Power chose Chayce Kneller from their midst to take over managing it - and it was a role she happily embraced.
"For me, it's the exposure and the experience I'm getting," Kneller said.
"There's no money involved. I'm happily exposing myself to it to gain experience."
Since taking over, the Tuncurry mother has juggled a number of responsibilities, from liaising between Thompson and the design team as they put the finishing touches on the design to drumming up volunteers from the local community to help paint the mural.
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And while the project is still a couple of months away from completion, both her and Thompson believe it will bring some colour and fun to the corner of Manning and South Street.
Designed to fit the coastal setting of Tuncurry, the mural promises to invoke an underwater postal theme with a few playful elements worked in.
"We feel like the mural will complement the makeover," Kneller said.
"It's ultimately for the post office designed by us with the intention of being for the whole town."
Thompson believed it would not only make the Tuncurry Post Office unique, but was also a great way to connect with the community.
"It's getting the community involved," he said.
"Community spirit is what it's all about."
With the team aiming to have the project finished by mid-December, Kneller was currently in the process of organising a group of volunteers to help paint the mural.
To get involved or find out more, click here.
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